Wayne Bennett admits he has the job of making England rugby league world-beaters… And knows how to get there

WAYNE BENNETT admits he has the job of making England world-beaters – and knows how to get there.

But none of the players who featured in Super League’s Grand Final are likely to face France.

However that does mean all the NRL-based stars, except suspended Sam Burgess, are set to feature in his first game in charge.

Bennett, who is arguably the greatest coach in rugby league history, starts his quest to guide England to next year’s World Cup with a Test in Avignon.

Then comes the Four Nations before the job of masterminding his new side to the top of the world.

And even though he has just landed in the country after flying in from Australia, the man known as Supercoach knows what needs to happen to win it.

That will mean a real forward battle against Australia and New Zealand.

Bennett, who also coaches Brisbane Broncos, said: “The aim for us is to get ourselves to a standard where we can match the other two teams.

“If we can do that then who knows what happens after that. We’ve got to make ourselves competitive and if we stay in the games - for 80 minutes too, not 60 or 70 - that’s my challenge.

“New Zealand could have two full packs out there, such is the depth of their squad.

“Both Australia’s and New Zealand’s squads are pretty good, but the good news is that New Zealand can only play one pack at a time.

“The big advantage Australia have got is that they’ve all come out of State of Origin, so they’ve played together and against each other in big games - but that’s a standard we have to get ourselves to.”

Bennett is to decide between Burgess – back in an England shirt a year after being branded a flop in the Rugby Union World Cup – and James Graham for who captains the country in the Four Nations.

However, first up is a warm-up in France and the likes of Tom and George Burgess, Graham, Josh Hodgson, Elliott Whitehead and Gareth Widdop are all set to play.

That does not mean players from Wigan and Warrington are on the outside, particularly after they impressed Bennett in the Grand Final eight days ago.

He added: “I thought the guys that were picked from those two teams had a wonderful game. I think their form was great to begin with, but it was a good game.

“Both teams gave everything they had and I was pleased with it. Some of the Wigan players, I thought it was the best they played all season.

“There was one or two spots to be decided going into the Grand Final; one guy played himself into contention and another played himself out. Dan Sarginson had a wonderful last couple of games, I thought.

“In terms of Avignon, I need to get players playing that haven’t played for five or six weeks.

“I don’t want to throw them into the game against New Zealand cold. My priority is to get those guys a game, and I can give the guys who have played more recently a week off.

“There’s no need to force people to play. Sam being suspended doesn't alter my plans too much, either.”

Meanwhile, Graham insists Bennett's influence can make sure England have what it takes to best the Aussies and Kiwis.

The former St Helens man, who now plays for NRL side Canterbury, said: "Everyone is excited to work under him.

"I’ve had a little bit of an insight into how he works but I’m really looking forward to a full camp. We spoke about a couple of things throughout the year.

“He met with all the Australian-based English lads. That went really well and he made a couple of points. He spoke about scheduling and where we wanted to be based.

“Success has followed him everywhere. He has a way of pushing people’s buttons one way or another.”